Ameren and St. Louis Community College are expanding opportunities for high school students to earn college credit in science, technology, engineering and math through a strengthened partnership focused on workforce development.
The effort is supported by an $800,000 multiyear donation from Ameren, building on a $1 million contribution in 2017 that established the program. The funding is administered through the St. Louis Community College Foundation.
The initiative allows students in North St. Louis County to earn college credits through dual credit or dual enrollment, or complete an associate’s degree while still in high school.
Students from participating districts, including Ferguson-Florissant, Hazelwood and Ritenour, can earn at least 12 credit hours by their senior year or complete an associate’s degree while still in high school. The program serves about 50 students annually and encourages exploration of careers in the energy sector.
“Ameren’s significant investments and long-standing support of STLCC will directly benefit students considering a science, technology, engineering or mathematics pathway,” said Dr. Jeff L. Pittman, chancellor of St. Louis Community College. “By expanding access to STEM education, we are helping to build a stronger, more innovative workforce for our region.”
The Advanced Manufacturing Center, which opened last year, will house the academy and features specialized classrooms for hands-on training in fabrication and technical trades.
“Ameren is a proud supporter of the St. Louis Community College system and the role it plays in creating meaningful pathways to higher education and workforce accessibility for students across our region,” said Gwen Mizell, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer at Ameren. “The Ameren STEM Academy will help empower students with the tools and opportunities necessary to pursue meaningful careers in STEM fields.”
The grant is funded by the Ameren Charitable Trust. Foundation grants are funded entirely from corporate earnings and are not charged to customers as a business expense.